Short Getaway To Absolute Happiness

Dr Ang Yi Yiang, Jaymie Tan and Catherine Tan

By Chuah Bee Kim

source NST online

http://www.nst.com.my/node/46488

MERSING: Sixty-nine people attended the Monsoon Course 2014, a four-day-three-night motivation programme.

Held at the Felda Residence Tanjung Leman here, the event was themed "Absolute Happiness".

Event organising chairman Serene Wong said the annual event, in its fourth year, was also aimed at deepening the members' understanding and practice of the Buddhist faith.

"The event is a short getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, as well as a chance to strengthen friendships and get motivated to live a positive life," she added.

Besides group discussions, there were also fun-filled games and an entertainment night where the participants got together to perform in groups.

The event was organised by the Johor chapter of Soka Gakkai Malaysia. 

Fully Recharged

In my Group there were
From left, top row: Victor Cheng, James Tan
From left, second row: Dr Ang Yi Yiang, Cheang Ai Nee, Catherine Tan, Jaymie Tan, me, Bonnie Siew, Vincent Siew, Dawson Yeang
From left, seated: Khor Pin Pin, Tay Gek Hoon, Tracey Wong, May Chan, Jazzilyn Tong, Chin Yoke Chee and Khaw Yen Kiat

We were given the challenge to cut a piece of A4 size paper so that it could encircle nine people.

I have a bindi or putu between my eyebrows because my group chose to perform an Indian dance, while the lady beside me, Cindy Sia, led her group in a hot Latin dance.

The Indian dance was easier as there was a lot of running around the stage.  Okay, I am exaggerating. There wasn't exactly a lot of running --- there were some hand and leg movements and body shaking --- but the steps were easier to execute than the sultry moves of Salsa dancing.  The little bit of running around incorporated into the routine already made it easier.  

It wasn't a talent quest or contest. It was all just for fun.

The room that I stayed in. 

Goodbye, Felda Residence Tanjung Leman. We created some wonderful memories and good energy here. 

Absolute Happiness

Updated

After a night of refreshing sleep, my mind has more clarity now. Have been sleeping very well in the past two nights. Such bliss.  Anyway, it just dawned on me that I need to clarify some things concerning what I wrote last night.

First of all, one can't be perturbed by good news. You can't help but feel elated if you learnt you've  won RM2 million or a brand new Ducati Multistrada 1200.  But after a while, the joy slips away like a fleeting rainbow.

And when I say "death is a new beginning ...", I don't want the disheartened to opt for the easy way out. Knowing that our present actions and thoughts determine our next destination, Buddhism teaches one to lead a good life now.

Come what may, take it in your stride.

Okay, time to reflect

Have a pleasant day, and be good!

Original Post

To be unperturbed by good news or bad news. To achieve absolute happiness. To go home a Buddha.

I can say YES to all these at the retreat but once I get back to the concrete jungle, I wonder if I'd even remember all of the above.

We can decide our next journey. What we did yesterday showed up today, and what we do today will determine our tomorrow. Death is not the end, but a new beginning. 

Only when there are problems are there opportunities for growth, and everything that happens to us is to lead us to our Buddhahood.  Everyone of us is a Buddha.

We have to center our life on something more profound than fleeting pleasures and romances. 

By the way, they serve six meals a day over here. I need to go on a diet as soon as I get home. At the same time I will also try to practise all that I have learnt here.

Just sharing a little of what I have learnt today.

Sleep well, everyone. Good night.

Stop Whining

Alluring sunrise at Felda Residence Tanjung Leman in Mersing. I thought I was going to Kota Tinggi.  

Forever blur ...

I have to stop complaining. Complaining is negativity and that keeps  one's good fortune at bay.

Pointing out a fault is okay, if the intent is good. But do not complain.

Petrol hike, toll hike, things too expensive .... complaining about it isn't going to change anything.

Spiritual Retreat

My dear Shella has packed some Winter dates, strawberries and grapes for me as I embark on a trip to Kota Tinggi, Johor, for a short getaway.

Thank you, sweet Shella.

Belka In Malaysia

JOHOR BARU: WANT to have a home or car that stands out from the crowd?

Par Macht Bhd, at 48, Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/9, Taman Mount Austin here is the production plant that offers such unique services.

Its director, Robin Kuok, said the factory is believed to be the first in Johor, and possibly the country, to offer these two new and novel services — interior wall coating material Belka, as well as spray chroming.

“There are only two types of chroming services in the local market — vacuum chroming and electroplating. Spray chroming is a new technology. We also do Belka coating, which was invented by an Iranian named Sazeh Gostar Sarayesh,” Kuok said.

“Belka is actually cotton wool mixed with gluten and mineral stones.

“Just like mixing dough, the Belka is then placed on the surface. It can be applied to wood, glass, metal, reinforced concrete and brick walls.”

Kuok said Belka is an alternative to paint and wallpaper, and costs about RM4 per sq ft.

“The material is flame-resistant, odour-free and insect-repellent due to its pH-neutral characteristics as insects are drawn to alkaline-based properties.

“However, it is not advisable to put Belka coating on the surface of washroom as it is not waterproof. A little water is fine, but not in a water-saturated environment.

“Belka coating also absorbs sounds, and having walls with Belka coating is like a house wearing a cotton shirt. Heat cannot penetrate the interior because of its thermal-insulation properties,” he said.

“As for spray chroming, we have acquired a water transfer printing machine where 3D-cubic printing can be achieved on irregular-shaped surfaces.

“Customers are opting for this new technology on their sports rim, air-cond covers, door frames and dashboards, among others, to express individuality,” he said.

“It costs about RM150 to get the designs on a car rim,” he added.

For details, call 07-300 6337 or go to www.facebook.com/BelkaInMalaysia.

- by Chuah Bee Kim

source NST online